A return engagement at Feinstein’s is surely a good sign in the renewed career of singer Barbara Porteus. She looks good and is very much at ease on stage.

After an overly dramatized opening of “Too Close For Comfort” and a very legit rendering of “How High The Moon,” Ms. Porteus finally caught my attention with a stylized, fast swing on “How Deep Is the Ocean (How High Is the Sky).” The Latin beat on “From Now On” (Basia/Danny White), featuring bongos by the nimble fingered Mayra Casales, was an eye opener into a very polished performer, allowing Ms. Porteus a more natural flow. Creatively arranged, “The Gentleman Is a Dope” had a nice, easy style and a sense of purpose.

Professing her admiration for “the three Js”—Joni (Mitchell), Janis (Joplin) and Julie (Andrews), she proceeded to sing three of Mitchell’s songs. My personal preference: the Great American Songbook where she shines more brilliantly. On another note, the band was somewhat overpowering which made it difficult to distinguish some of the vocals.

There was no real set up or patter to most of the songs. However, about halfway into the show, Porteus shared some personal childhood information, acknowledged family and friends in the audience, and gave a special welcome to her mom, who recently had a stroke but managed to come up from Florida to attend the show.

Rarely performed, “A Whole Lotta Sunlight” (Raisin) with the lyrics “Hold on, little sprout, sittin’ there reaching out, ain’t no time to fall, time to stand up tall!” was a personal parting message.

Special applause to Barry Levitt, Musical Director, for his unique arrangements, and to additional band members Eric Udel (bass), Jack Cavari (guitar) and Julie Sussman Perez (reeds).

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
July 31, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org